"We are very saddened by the loss of Bristol [Greene-Hills School] 1st grader Noah McCoy," said superintendent Ellen Solek. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Noah's family. Grief counselors will be at GHS on Tuesday [Jan. 3] for students and staff."

He was in a pickup truck that was traveling along Interstate 91 south in North Haven when it crashed near exit 12.

Troopers said Noah was ejected from the vehicle when it sled into the center median. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The truck was the only vehicle involved. Two other children were hurt in the crash, but not seriously. They were wearing seat belts.

Lexsis Ariel Walter, 23, of Meriden, was behind the wheel, state police said. She is part of a foster family who'd been caring for Noah.